Best high-protein food for senior Maltese

Senior dogs have genuinely different nutritional needs — typically lower calories, better digestibility, and more joint support — but the right approach really does depend on the individual dog. A 13-year-old Maltese losing muscle mass is a specific situation worth thinking through carefully, because the instinct to reach for a high-protein formula is often right, but not always the whole picture. Can you tell me a bit more: are there any diagnosed health conditions like kidney disease or liver issues, what food is she currently on, and roughly how much muscle loss are we talking — gradual over months, or a more noticeable recent drop?

Biscuit is a great name. And the good news is that gradual muscle wasting in an otherwise healthy 13-year-old Maltese is very common — it's called sarcopenia, and it responds well to diet if you catch it at this stage. The core issue with most standard supermarket senior foods is that they reduce protein to cut calories, which is exactly the wrong thing for a dog already losing muscle. Since her kidneys are healthy, there's no reason to restrict protein — she actually needs more of it, and from highly digestible animal sources. With a small breed her age, I'd also want the food to have good levels of omega-3s for joint and coat health, and to be sized for a small mouth. What does she weigh roughly?

That's brilliant that she still has her teeth — it means you can keep her on a decent dry kibble rather than going fully wet, which is better for dental health anyway. For Biscuit specifically, I'd recommend Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12+. It's formulated specifically for small breeds over 12, so it hits the age and size criteria precisely. The protein content is meaningfully higher than generic senior formulas and uses highly digestible sources, which matters a lot for a 13-year-old gut. It also has EPA and DHA for joints and coat, and the kibble shape is designed for small dogs. Given she's been on dry food and is eating well, the transition should be straightforward — just mix it in gradually over about a week to avoid any digestive upset. It's widely available on Amazon UK and reasonably priced for the quality.

Diet is the main lever at this stage, but a couple of things are worth adding. First, gentle exercise — short, regular walks rather than anything strenuous — actually helps preserve muscle in older dogs, so don't be tempted to rest her too much. Second, if you're not already giving a joint supplement, a small-dog omega-3 fish oil capsule alongside her meals is a cheap and effective addition. And keep an eye on her weight as you transition — if she puts on a little with the higher-protein food you may just need to trim the portion slightly, the packaging guidelines are a starting point not a rule. A vet weight check in two or three months would let you see if the muscle loss has stabilised, which is really what you're aiming for.

That's a solid plan. Biscuit sounds like she's in good hands — catching this at a gradual stage and addressing it with the right food makes a real difference. Hope the follow-up goes well.